US20050093087A1

US20050093087A1 - Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid and a process for removal of the liquid stored in this device

Info

Publication number: US20050093087A1
Application number: US10/948,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Klaus Kadel; Gert Blankenstein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
Priority date: 2003-09-24
Filing date: 2004-09-24
Publication date: 2005-05-05
Also published as: EP1518604B1; DE10344229A1; US7964161B2; US20090074626A1; CN100467128C; CN1608735A; EP1518604A3; JP2005096866A; EP1518604A2

Abstract

Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid with the following features: the device has a carrier; the device has a first cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small amount of liquid; the first section of the first cavity is molded into the carrier; the first section is closed with a cover element and a blocking element; the device has a means for transmission of a force from the cover element to the blocking element which destroys the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or destroys the blocking element itself so that the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid and a process for removal of the liquid, which is stored in this device.
The prior art discloses microstructured devices, which have a plate-shaped carrier in which recesses on one side are formed. These recesses are connected, via channels, to removal chambers, via which a liquid can be removed from the device. The recess is connected via a feed channel to an inlet chamber via which a sample or a flushing liquid can be delivered to the device. The sample is then transported as a result of transport forces, for example as a result of capillary forces, or pressure forces, to the recess and travels from there via the removal channel to the removal opening. So-called containers are inserted into the initially open recess. The containers are plastic vessels in which liquid reagents are placed. By means of a pointed article, the container is opened such that the liquid located in the vessel can emerge from the container in order to mix with the liquid which has been supplied to the recess, via the feed channel. The containers known from the art are standardized and they can be inserted into various carriers of microstructured devices. The carriers generally have several recesses into which different containers with often different liquid reagents can be inserted.
The disadvantage in the use of containers for microstructured devices for removable storage of liquid is that the shape of the container largely dictates the design of the device. The containers make it necessary for there to be recesses, which are matched to the container in the carrier. The recesses, therefore, cannot be made individually for each carrier; this could lead, for example, to higher packing density of the liquids which are to be stored. Another disadvantage is that a relatively great effort is expended to move the liquids into the containers in order to then insert the containers as such into the carrier. This could be simplified by storing the liquids directly in the carrier.
Therefore is an object of the invention to provide a microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquids in which an arrangement and configuration of the recesses as free as possible are possible and which enable direct storage of amounts of liquid in the carrier or the device without the need to use a special container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid includes a carrier. In the carrier there is a cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small amount of liquid. The first section of the cavity is molded into the carrier as a recess. This first section is closed with a cover element and a blocking element and is advantageously bordered by side walls which are formed by the carrier. The device has a means for transmission of force from the cover element to the blocking element. By means of this force, a material connection between the blocking element and the carrier can be destroyed, or the blocking element itself can be destroyed, so that the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.
The amount of liquid in a device is thus not stored in a special container as in the existing art. Rather, the amount of liquid is stored directly in the device, in a cavity which is bordered on the one hand by the cover element and the blocking element as well as side walls which are formed by the carrier. By destroying the blocking element, or the connection between the blocking element and the carrier, or the displacement of the blocking element, an opening can be cleared via which the liquid which is stored in the cavity can be removed from the cavity.
In one advantageously configured microstructured device, the carrier is in one piece. The first cavity is molded in a carrier which consists of one piece. In contrast to a carrier which is made of several parts, or to a microstructured device, in which the first cavity is not part of the carrier, or is not molded into the carrier, because the carrier is made in one piece, a compact and simple construction is achieved. This construction has advantages especially in the production of the microstructured device.
The blocking element and the carrier are connected to one another in one piece. It is possible for the blocking element and the carrier to be cemented to one another, or for the blocking element to be clamped in the carrier.
The connection between the carrier and the blocking element, or the blocking element itself, can have a scored site at which destruction of the blocking element, or of the bond between the blocking element and carrier, is easily possible.
The blocking element and the carrier can be positively connected to one another. In particular, it is possible, by means of the force which is applied to the cover element, for the blocking element to be able to move relative to the carrier into a release position in which the liquid can be removed from the first cavity.
The cover element can be a membrane, a film, or a microstructured plate.
The cover element can be connected to the carrier by lamination, sealing or cementing. It is possible for the cover element to be metal-coated.
The cover element of a device can be made such that when a minimum force is applied to destroy the connection between the blocking element and the carrier, or to destroy the blocking element, the cover element itself cannot be destroyed. To facilitate the emergence of liquid from the first section of the cavity, especially in cases in which the cover element cannot be destroyed, the device can be arranged such that it has elements for securing the cover element, with which the cover element can be kept in a deflected position when minimum force is applied. In this way it is possible, even after cessation of the minimum external force, to keep the cover element in the deflected position and thus also to maintain the pressure within the first section of the cavity.
It is possible for the cover element of a device to be made such that when a minimum force is applied to destroy the connection, between the blocking element and the carrier, or to destroy the blocking element, the cover element can be destroyed at least at one scored site. The scored site in the cover element can border in an area of the cover element which is smaller than the area bordered by the scored site between the carrier and the blocking element. In this way, it is possible for the cover element, or the area of the cover element bordered by the scored site from the cover element, to be pressed through the opening which has been cleared by the blocking element.
The device can include a means for destroying the cover element with which the cover element can be destroyed when a minimum force is applied. When the cover element is destroyed, the first section of the cavity can be ventilated, by which the emergence of the liquid from the first section of the cavity is facilitated.
A device can include elements for securing the blocking element with which after application of a minimum force the blocking element can be kept in a deflected position in order to prevent the opening, which has been cleared by the blocking element, from being closed again by the blocking element. If the opening cleared by the blocking element is permanently opened, the liquid, which has been stored in the first section of the cavity, can emerge from the first section in a facilitated manner even after cessation of the minimum force. As the element for securing the blocking element, the blocking element can have a catch projection which locks on a projection, or the like, of the carrier in the deflected position of the blocking element. As the element for securing the blocking element there could likewise be a conical recess into which the blocking element is pressed and is kept clamped when force is applied to the cover element.
The means for force transmission of the device can include the liquid which has been stored in the first section of the cavity. The means for force transmission can include a plunger which is attached to the cover element or the blocking element. Such a plunger can be mounted on the cover element.
The plunger which can be provided as a force transmission means on a device can be mounted in the middle of the cavity between the cover element and the blocking element. Alternatively, it is possible for the plunger to be located, not in the middle of the cavity between the cover element and the blocking element, but nearer one of the walls of the first section of the cavity. The force which is applied via the plunger thus does not act in the center of the blocking element. This leads to the fact that the blocking element is preferably destroyed in the area or the connection between the blocking element and the carrier is destroyed in the area in which the plunger is located.
The scored site between the blocking element and the carrier can surround the mounting area of the plunger on the blocking element with the exception of a so-called hinge area. In this way, it is possible for the blocking element not to be completely released from the connection to the carrier by the minimum force, but to remain securely connected via the hinge area to the carrier. The blocking element is thus, to a certain extent, hinged on the carrier. In combination with an element for securing the blocking element, the blocking element which is hinged on the carrier can be fixed in the opened position to the carrier. The hinge area is advantageously the area in which the plunger has the greatest possible distance to one wall of the first section of the cavity of the carrier. Opposite this hinge area then there can be the catch projection on the blocking element as the element for securing the blocking element.
The plunger of a device can have a spike on the end facing the blocking element.
A device can have a spike which is pointed at the blocking element on the side of the blocking element facing away from the first section of the cavity.
By moving the blocking element, as a result of the action of a force in the direction of the tip of this spike, the blocking element can be destroyed so that the liquid can be removed from the first cavity, or the first section of the cavity.
The first section of the cavity can be made cylindrical. Likewise, it is possible for the first section to be made in the shape of a truncated cone in order to facilitate removal from a mold.
The first section of the cavity can be joined to a second section, or a second cavity, which is separated from the first section by the blocking element. At least the second section of the cavity or the second cavity, but advantageously also the cavity, and the first section of the cavity, have walls which can be wetted by the liquid.
The second section of the cavity or the second cavity can have a removal opening. The removal opening in the device can be provided in one wall of the second section of the cavity or one wall of the second cavity in the area which adjoins the scored site between the carrier and the blocking element as directly as possible. This should result in that the liquid, which is emerging from the first section of the cavity, can travel in a manner as simple as possible to the removal opening in the second section or in the second cavity.
A channel can be connected downstream of the removal opening.
In the second section of the cavity, or in the second cavity, and/or in the channel, which is downstream of the removal opening, there can be a means which enhances the capillary force. This means which enhances the capillary force is used to accelerate or enable the transport of liquid into the channel or through the removal opening. The means which enhances the capillary force can be microstructure elements, such as for example trenches, stelae, columns or the like, or a nonwoven fabric insert. It is possible for the microstructure elements combined with a nonwoven fabric insert to form the means which enhances the capillary force.
Furthermore, a feed channel can discharge into the second section of the cavity or into the second cavity.
In the device, at least one wall of the second section can be set back at least in sections relative to at least one bordering wall of the first section. This set-back section can be made in the manner of an annular groove.
The device can have a means for destroying the cover element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of microstructured devices for removable storage of small amounts of liquid are detailed using the following drawings:
FIGS. 1 to 12 a each show one embodiment for a microstructured device in a section;
FIG. 13 shows the device as shown in FIG. 1 after actuation;
FIG. 14 shows a section through the device along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 9;
FIG. 15 shows a corresponding section through the other embodiment;
FIG. 16 shows an overhead view of a device with several cavities for the accommodation of small amounts of liquid;
FIG. 17 shows one embodiment for a device before a minimum force is applied;
FIG. 17 a shows the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17 after application of the minimum force; and
FIG. 17 b shows the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 17 a in an overhead view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 to 16 for microstructured devices have great similarities, therefore the components which correspond to one another are provided with the same reference numbers.
The embodiment shown in the FIG. 1, in a section, has an advantageously plate-shaped carrier 1 into which recesses are made which are opposite one another from two sides and which are separated from one another by a blocking element 3. The opening of a recess is closed by a cover element 2, by which a first cavity 4 is formed between the cover element 2, the blocking element 3 and the side walls of the recess. This first cavity 4 is completely filled with a small amount of liquid. Likewise it is possible for the first cavity 4 to be filled only partially with the amount of liquid and to contain a small gas bubble. The other recess is closed with a film 6 which is applied to the surface of the carrier 1, in which surface there is a recess. In this way a second cavity 5 is formed which is bordered by the blocking element 3, of the film 6, and by the side walls of the recesses.
The carrier 1 has a through hole 8 which is closed on one side by the film 6. This through hole forms a removal chamber which is connected via a removal channel 7 to the second cavity 5.
The blocking element 3 has a peripheral scored site 10 which is formed by the thinning of the material on the side facing the second cavity 5.
The small amount of liquid which is stored in the first cavity 4 can be removed as follows from the first cavity 4. By the action of a force on the cover element 2, the cover element is pressed in the direction of the amount of liquid. Since the amount of liquid is essentially incompressible, the force which is applied to the cover element 2 is transferred to the blocking element 3. This force results in that, as shown in FIG. 13, the middle part of the blocking element is broken out of the remaining blocking element 3 along the peripheral scored site 10 and thus a connection is formed between the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5. As a result of the transport forces, here generally compressive forces, the action of gravity or capillary forces, the liquid is then transported out of the first cavity 4 into the second cavity 5, then into the channel 7, and finally into the removal chamber 8. Advantageously, a reagent in liquid or solid form or a sample with which the amount of liquid stored originally in the first cavity is reacted or mixed can be placed in the second cavity 5 or in the removal chamber 8.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the first cavity 4 is not completely filled with the amount of liquid. Rather, between the liquid level and the cover element 2 a gas-filled space is formed. So that the force which acts on the cover element 2 for releasing the amount of liquid can be transferred to the cover element 10, between the cover element 2 and the blocking element 3 there is a plunger which is connected in one piece to the middle part of the blocking element.
In contrast to the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has a blocking element which does not have a scored site 10. Instead, to destroy the blocking element 3, a spike 13 which is pointed with its tip at the blocking element 3 is attached to the bottom of the cover element. If at this point the action of a force presses the cover element 2 in the direction to the blocking element 3, the spike 13 with its tip pierces the blocking element 3 to neutralize the blocking action of the blocking element 3. The liquid which is stored in the first cavity 4 can then penetrate into the second cavity 5 through the opening which has been produced by means of the spike 13 in the blocking element.
In FIG. 4, an embodiment similar to FIG. 3 is described in which the first cavity 4 is completely filled with an amount of liquid, while a pin 14 which projects in the direction to the blocking element 3, is attached to the film 6, and causes destruction of the blocking element 3 to release the amount of liquid. By the action of the force on the cover element 2, via the amount of liquid in the first cavity 4, the blocking element 3 is deflected in the direction to the spike 14 which with its tip pierces the blocking element in order to destroy it. Thus the amount of liquid can penetrate out of the first cavity 4 into the second cavity 5.
The embodiment of a microstructured device which is shown in FIG. 5 is made similarly to the device shown in FIG. 2. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment in FIG. 5 in the cover element 2 has a peripheral scored site 11. As soon as the action of the force presses the middle area of the cover element down, the scored site 11 breaks and the plunger 12 presses on the middle part of the blocking element 3 which finally also breaks along the scored site 10. The liquid which is stored in the first cavity 4, can enter the second cavity 5, at the same time the first cavity 4 being vented via the opening in the cover element 2. The air which flows afterward facilitates outflow of the amount of liquid from the first cavity 4 into the second cavity 5.
FIG. 5 a shows one version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In this version the scored site in the blocking element 10 borders a roughly circular area which completely surrounds the plunger 12. The scored site 11 in the cover element 2 also borders a circular area with a bottom which is adjoined by the plunger 12. The area which has is bordered by the scored site 11 in the cover element 2 thus has a much smaller diameter than the area of the blocking element bordered by the scored site 10. This results in that when a minimum force is applied, which in this case is enough to destroy the scored sites 10, 11, in the cover element 2 and in the blocking element 3 so that the broken-out areas can be pressed down with the plunger 12 into the second cavity 5. In this way, the opening which has been cleared by the blocking element 3 is prevented from closing again, so that the liquid from the cavity 4 can penetrate into the second cavity 5. Ventilation of the cavity 4 is enabled which enables facilitated penetration of liquid from the cavity 4 into the second cavity 5.
Furthermore, in the version of the device as shown in FIG. 5 a, in the removal channel 7, and in the area of the second cavity 5 upstream of the removal channel, there is an insert 21 of nonwoven fabric. This nonwoven insert causes increased capillary force which enables accelerated transport of the liquid which has entered the second cavity 5 through the removal channel 8.
The embodiment of a microstructured device which is shown in FIG. 6 corresponds essentially to the one shown in FIG. 1, but different than the device shown in FIG. 1, the device shown in FIG. 6 does not have a cylindrically formed first cavity. The first cavity of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 runs conically in the direction to the blocking element 3 and thus is made essentially in the shape of a truncated cone.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 corresponds essentially to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, but in addition, it has a feed channel 9 which discharges into the second cavity 5. Via this feed channel 9, a second liquid can be routed into the second cavity 5, which after destruction of the blocking element 3 is mixed with the amount of liquid from the first cavity 4. The supplied liquid, like the amount of liquid in the first cavity 4, can be a sample, a liquid reagent or a flushing liquid.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has a first cavity 4 and a second cavity 5, the device which is shown in FIG. 8 is made slightly different from the ones shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. The carrier of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, has a blind hole-like recess which is made on one side in the carrier and which is divided by a blocking element 3 which has been cemented between the side walls into a first cavity 4 and a second cavity 5. From the side of the carrier opposite the recess, channels 9, 7 are routed from the outside of the carrier as far as the second cavity 5 and discharge into the second cavity 5. One channel forms a feed channel 9, while the other channel forms a removal channel 7. The blocking element 3 which has been cemented, pressed or shrunk between the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 has a scored site 10 which is made in the conventional manner and on which the blocking element 3 can be destroyed. Otherwise the first cavity 4 is completely filled with the amount of liquid so that action of a force on the cover element 2 causes destruction of the blocking element 3, by which the amount of liquid in the first cavity 4 can enter the second cavity 5.
FIGS. 9 and 14 show one embodiment which is provided with special means for destroying the cover element 2. The means for destruction are formed by a projection 15 of the side wall of the first cavity 4, which projection projects into the first cavity 4 in the shape of a wedge. This projection forms a tip which adjoins the cover element 2. If at this point the cover element 2 is pressed down by the action of a force, the tip of the projection 15 is pressed into the cover element 2 and destroys it. In this way, it becomes possible to vent the first cavity 4 when the liquid contained in the first cavity 4 is released by destroying the blocking element 3; this facilitates the emergence of liquid from the second cavity 5. As shown in FIG. 14, the first cavity has a cross section which is circular in cross section.
FIG. 15 conversely shows a cross section of a similar device which is sector-like. This has the advantage that in a device with several such first cavities, as it is shown for example in FIG. 16, there can be a plurality of first cavities arranged compactly inside one another. FIG. 15 shows another alternative means for destroying the cover element 2, which means is formed by a wedge 16 which is inserted in a recess of the side wall of the first chamber 4, but otherwise, similar to the projection 15 as shown in FIG. 14, results in destruction of the cover element 2 when a force acts.
The overhead view of the device which is shown in FIG. 16 shows that a device advantageously has several first cavities 4 and the associated blocking element 3. The second cavity (not shown) which is located under the first cavity 4 is connected via a feed channel which is not shown to an inlet chamber 17 and via a removal channel to a removal chamber 8. The inlet chambers 17 can also be connected to one another.
FIG. 10 shows one embodiment for a microstructured device which has a through hole with a shoulder in the carrier 1. In this way, the through hole above the shoulder has a diameter which is larger than underneath the shoulder. A membrane which forms the blocking element 3 and which has an outside diameter which corresponds to the inside diameter of the through hole is placed on the shoulder. The blocking element 3 divides the through hole into two parts which are separated from one another; specifically a first cavity and a second cavity 5, the first cavity 4 being closed with the cover element 2 and the second cavity 5 being closed with the film 6. Otherwise the device has a channel 7 which is made in the conventional manner and a removal chamber 8 which is made in the conventional manner.
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 17 b has a cavity 4 and a second cavity 5 which are essentially oval in cross section. Between the two cavities 4, 5 is the blocking element 3. This blocking element 3 is connected in one piece to the carrier 1. Furthermore, the blocking element 3 is connected in one piece to the plunger 12 which in the first end area of the blocking element 3 is inserted between a cover element 2 with which the cavity 4 is closed to the top, and the blocking element 3. In this first end area of the blocking element, there is scored site 10 between the blocking element 3 and the carrier 1 which extends proceeding from this end area along the side wall of the cavities 4, 5 to the opposite end area, the opposite second end area not being provided with a scored site. If the minimum force necessary to destroy the blocking element is applied to the cover element 2, the blocking element tears away from the carrier 1 along the scored site. The blocking element 3 then only continues to be connected to the carrier 1 via the second end area. This second end area thus forms a hinge area on which the blocking element is pivotally supported.
A shoulder is molded into the second cavity 5 in the first end area of the blocking element 3. This shoulder interacts with the catch projection 20 on the first end area of the blocking element 3 as an element for securing the blocking element in the deflected position after the minimum force has acted on the cover element 2. By breaking out and deflecting the blocking element 3 down, the catch projection 20 catches behind the shoulder in the wall of the second cavity 5. In this deflected position then the liquid can flow out of the cavity 4 into the second cavity 5, even after the minimum force is no longer acting on the cover element 2.
On the bottom of the second cavity 5, in the middle area and the end area there is a nonwoven fabric insert 21. This nonwoven insert causes increased capillary force in order to transport the liquid which has entered the second cavity 5 through the removal channel 7 to the removal chamber 8.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 differs from the devices described so far by a host of features, the same features being provided with the same reference number. The carrier 1 a, 1 b of the device, as shown in FIG. 11, is made in two parts and has a plate-shaped top part 1 a and a plate-shaped bottom part 1 b. The top part has a conical recess which is adjoined by a cylindrical hole. A preferably slightly elastic ball is inserted to form a seal into the cylindrical hole and forms the cover element 2 of the device. The bottom part 1 b of the carrier which is attached on the bottom of the top part 1 a, flush with the recesses of the top part 1 a and with the cover element 2, has a first cylindrical section, a conical section and a second cylindrical section which is adjoined by a cylindrical recess which is preferably made from the bottom. In the second cylindrical section of the first recess, a ball is inserted to form a seal as the blocking element 3 and separates the first cylindrical section and the conical section from the recess which has been made from the bottom of the bottom part 1 b. The first cylindrical section and the conical section thus form the first cavity 4 which is almost completely filled with a liquid. A film 6 is applied to the bottom of the bottom part 1 b, by which the second cavity is formed from the cylindrical recess which has been made from the bottom. By the action of a force on the cover element 2, via the liquid in the first cavity 4 the blocking element 3 is pressed into the second cavity 5, by which the liquid can flow into the second cavity and can be removed from it via the channel 7.
The diameter of the first cavity can be, for example, 1 to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm. The same applies to the second cavity. The blocking element 3 and the cover element 2 can have a diameter from 0.5 to 0.7 mm.
The diameter of the first cavity of one of the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 can be 2 to 8 mm, but preferably 2 to 5 mm. The height can be 1 to 7 mm and the volume can be between 10 to 100 mm³. The carrier 1 and the blocking element 3 can be produced from polystyrene or polycarbonate.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 12, in contrast to the other embodiments, has only one cavity, which has a first section 4 a, a second section 5 a. The cavity can be divided in a variable manner, into a first section 4 a and a second section 5 a. Separation takes place via a blocking element which is movably supported between the side walls of the first section. This blocking element is connected, via a plunger 12, to a cover element 2 which is likewise movably supported in the first section 4 a. In the upper area of the second section 5 a of the cavity, which area faces the first section 4 a, the side wall of the cavity is set back in the manner of an annular groove.
The device shown in FIG. 12 can be operated as follows. First of all, the component which is formed from the blocking element 3, the plunger 12 and the cover element 2 is pulled out of the first section 4 a to such an extent that the cover element 2 projects out of the first section 4 a. The cavity 4 a can then be filled with liquid through a gap which forms between the cover element 2 and the top end of the first section 4 a of the cavity. In order to store the liquid in the first section 4 a of the cavity, the component consisting of the blocking element 3, the plunger 12 and the cover element 2 is pushed down until the cover element 2 adjoins the side walls of the first section 4 a of the cavity, forming a seal. If at this point the amount of liquid stored in the first section 4 a of the cavity is to be released, the cover element 2 is moved down by the action of a force. Then the blocking element 3 projects into the annular groove-like section on the top end of the second section 5 a of the cavity. The annular groove then produces a fluidic connection between the first section 4 a and the second section 5 a of the cavity so that the liquid from the first section 4 a can enter the second section 5 a.
FIG. 12 a shows one version of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12. This version differs in that the second section 5 a of the cavity has a larger diameter than the first section 4 a. This shoulder makes it possible to move the cover element, the plunger 12 and the blocking element 11 completely down by application of an external force so that the cover element 2, the blocking element 3 and the plunger 12 are pushed completely into the second section 5 a of the cavity and can drop into the latter. If the element consisting of the cover element 2, the blocking element 3 and the plunger 12 is in the second section 5 a of the cavity, it is ensured that the liquid has travelled into the second section 5 a, or can travel via the second section 5 a of the cavity into the removal channel 7.
A device enables amounts of liquid to be stored for a longer time in a cavity before they are then released to carry out reactions or other chemical processes. The conventionally small vessels, or containers, which were inserted into the carrier in the past and which are filled beforehand with liquid and then must be pierced by means of tools are no longer necessary. The liquid is rather stored directly in the carrier; this has the advantage that a more compact arrangement of the amounts of liquid on a carrier is possible and also the geometry of the cavities which store the liquid can be freely chosen, as required by the dictates of practice.

Claims

1. A microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid comprising:

a carrier;

a first cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small amount of liquid;

the at least one first section of the first cavity is molded into the carrier;

the at least one first section is closed with a cover element and a blocking element;

the device has a means for transmission of a force from the cover element to the blocking element which destroys the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or destroys the blocking element itself so that the small amounts of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier is one piece.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element and the carrier are connected in one piece to one another.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element and the carrier are cemented or braced to one another.

5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein A connection between the carrier and the blocking element has a scored site.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element and the carrier are positively connected to one another.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blocking element is moved into a release position relative to the carrier by means of a force.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element is a ball.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is a membrane or film.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is connected to the carrier by lamination, sealing or cementing.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is metal-coated.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the force is applied to destroy a connection between the blocking element and the carrier or to destroy the blocking element the cover element, cannot be destroyed.

13. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device has an element for securing the cover element, with which the cover element can be kept in a deflected position when the force is applied.

14. The device as claimed in one of claim 1, wherein when the minimum force is applied to destroy the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or to destroy the blocking element, the cover element is destroyed at, at least one scored site.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one scored site in the cover element borders an area of the cover element which is smaller than an area bordered by the scored site between the carrier and the blocking element.

16. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device comprises means for destroying the cover element with which the cover element can be destroyed when a minimum force is applied.

17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has means for destroying the cover element.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is a ball.

19. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has elements for securing the blocking element, with which the blocking element can be kept in a deflected position when minimum force is applied.

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the element for securing the blocking element is a catch projection on the blocking element which locks on a projection of the carrier in the deflected position of the blocking element.

21. The device as claimed in claim 19, the element for securing the blocking element is a conical recess on the device.

22. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for transmission of the force comprises a liquid which is stored in the first section of the cavity.

23. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for transmission of the force comprises a plunger which is attached to the cover element and/or the blocking element.

24. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is mounted in the middle of the cavity on the blocking element.

25. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is mounted outside the center of the cavity on the blocking element.

26. The device as claimed in claim 25, wherein a scored site between the blocking element and the carrier surrounds A mounting area of the plunger on the blocking element with the exception of a hinge area.

27. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the hinge area is an area between the carrier and the blocking element which has a greatest possible distance to the plunger.

28. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein there is a catch projection on the blocking element opposite the hinge area.

29. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is mounted on the cover element and has a tip on the end which is pointed at the cover element.

30. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device on the side of the blocking element facing away from the first section of the cavity comprises a spike which is pointed at the blocking element.

31. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section of the cavity is made cylindrical.

32. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section of the cavity is made in the shape of a truncated cone.

33. The device as claimed in claim, wherein the first section of the cavity is adjoined by a second section or a second cavity which IS separated from the first section by the blocking element.

34. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second section of the cavity or the second cavity has a removal opening.

35. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein there is a removal opening in a wall of the second section of the cavity or a wall of the second cavity which directly adjoins the scored site between the carrier and blocking element.

36. The device as claimed in claim 34, wherein a channel is connected downstream of the removal opening.

37. The device as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the second section of the cavity or in the second cavity and/or in the channel there are capillary force-enhancing means.

38. The device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the capillary force-enhancing means is formed by microstructure elements such as trenches, stelae, columns, or a nonwoven fabric insert.

39. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein a feed channel discharges into the second section of the cavity or into the second cavity.

40. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein at least one wall of the second section is set back at least in sections relative to at least one bordering wall of the first section.

41. A process for removing a liquid which is stored in a device as claimed in claim 1, the process comprising the following steps:

a force is applied to the cover element;

the means for transmitting force transfers the force to the blocking element;

as a result of the action of a force on the blocking element a material connection between the blocking element and the carrier is destroyed or the blocking element is destroyed;

after the action of the force in the area of the blocking element a release opening is formed so that the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.